Mikulik fired as Tourists manager

The most successful manager in the history of the Asheville Tourists and the South Atlantic League is out after 13 years.

Hall of Famer Joe Mikulik, who led the Tourists to the SAL championship this season, has been fired by the Colorado Rockies, the Tourists’ parent club.

No information was immediately available as to the cause of the dismissal.

Calls to Mikulik and the Rockies’ front office were not immediately returned.

Mikulik posted a 938-860 record in Asheville, and is the winningiest manager in franchise history, as well as the all-time leader in victories in the SAL.

He was inducted into the SAL Hall of Fame in 2010.

“The Rockies informed us that Joe would not be back as our manager next year. They didn’t say why, and I didn’t ask. They handle the baseball side of things, and we handle the business,” said Tourists president Brian DeWine.

“Joe was a great part of the Asheville Tourists history, and he left on a great high note. His number is retired, and no one will ever wear No. 20 again.

“We thank him for his service and wish him the best in whatever he does.”

In an interview last month, Mikulik, 48, said he was ready to move on from Asheville and was pursuing other job opportunities. He said he hoped to remain with the Rockies’ organization.

“Deep down inside, I’m looking for bigger and better things,” he said. “After 29 years in the minor leagues, it’s time to make a move.”

For more on this story, check back later at CITIZEN-TIMES.com or pick up Friday’s print edition of the Citizen-Times.

About Having a Ball!

When he's not on the golf course, senior writer Keith Jarrett has been covering sports for the Citizen-Times for the past 27 years. As part of a three-person staff, his current duties include - a little bit of everything. Contact Keith at 828-232-5867 or kjarrett@citizen-times.com, on Facebook or Twitter @JarrettKeith.